Alleged ‘arsonist for hire’ charged over Marrickville restaurant firebombing

A man has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly firebombing a Marrickville restaurant with an explosive device.

Arson Unit detectives have charged an alleged ‘arsonist for hire’ following an investigation into the firebombing of a restaurant in Marrickville.

An alleged “arsonist for hire” has been charged after a firebomb attack on a restaurant in Sydney’s Inner West.

Emergency services were called to Tuohy Lane in Marrickville shortly before 1am on May 30, following reports of a blaze in the courtyard of a restaurant.

Firefighters extinguished the flames, and specialist police as well as the Financial Crime Squad’s Arson Unit launched a joint investigation.

Initial inquiries revealed the fire had been deliberately lit using an accelerant and what police believe was an explosive device, likely fireworks.

Investigators were also told the same restaurant had been targeted in an arson attempt the night before.

Emergency services were called to Tuohy Lane in Marrickville following reports of a fire in the courtyard of a restaurant.

The blaze was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW and a crime scene was established, which was examined by specialist police.

Following a public appeal and extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants on Tuesday, July 15, one in San Remo and another in Blue Haven on the NSW Central Coast.

At the San Remo property, police arrested a 30-year-old man.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with multiple offences, including two counts of damage property by fire/explosion, driving while disqualified, failure to disclose driver identity, drug possession and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order.

He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Court 6 on July 16.

Investigations into an arson attack in Ettalong, which police believe may be linked, are continuing.

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Originally published as Alleged ‘arsonist for hire’ charged over Marrickville restaurant firebombing